What looked like a promising morning turned rather wet as we arrived at Frenchfield.
A spot of rain seldom dampens anyone’s ‘spirit’ for parkrun, although encouragement to wear appropriate attire for upcoming Halloween had largely been ignored!
This led to friendly reproaches from Andrew Richardson in his course briefing. Becky Willoughby, South Lakes, had dressed for the occasion, but chose subtle Halloween and told me that she did not recommend Full Witch as running apparel. That being said, I was certainly overtaken by one skeleton who had made the effort.
The route was busy and jostling for space, with 270 finishers and a further 31 volunteers around the course. To emphasise that it is perfectly okay to walk, there are now dedicated parkwalkers joining the runners. Penrith osteopath Margaret Towson, took part for the first time as volunteer parkwalker, to encourage walkers along the way.
We were also joined by Shiona and Sarah from 5K Your Way, which aims to encourage those living with and beyond cancer, families, friends, to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer. Representatives of the organisation attend Parkrun on the last Saturday of every month. (www.5kyourway.org).
Twenty-eight parkrunners achieved a personal best time for the course on Saturday, including Eden Runners’ Harry Lancaster – first man home in a terrific time of 15:52. Hannah Matharu, from Holme Pierrepoint Running Club, made her debut at Penrith as first lady home in 20:35.
Whilst 51 people were either first time runners, or attending Penrith for very first time, Mark McLellan achieved his milestone 150 parkruns.
These Saturday morning runs often truly become a family event. Bernard and Jean Riley, of Penrith, have been coming down to Penrith parkrun since 2015, and have encouraged their daughter Kirsty to join in with the fun. It was Kirsty’s third run, and they all looked very happy at the finish line.
